Dog Has a Temperature? Reduce Your K9’s Fever Safely!

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Can I Give My Dog Fever Reducer?Dogs obviously get the occasional fever (particularly when they have an infection).

The first thing you should know:

Over 104 degrees °F is concerning for a canine.

And (if that’s the case) you’d be right to be worried.

A furry friend’s ferocious fever may indicate something serious.

So don’t mess around!

Head to a vet. A dog with a very high temperature needs to be diagnosed.

And it’s important to know…

Why the dog actually needs a fever reducer! That’ll enable optimal treatment.

Fever Reducers Work For Dogs Too

But don’t be quick to provide risky meds!

A better option?

Animal-formulated powdered acetylsalicylic acid. That’s fairly safe and effective for reducing your dog’s fever (at least in the short-term).

Just be sure that your dog actually has a fever!


Fact: Canines have higher body temperatures than their masters.


It’s a good idea to have a rectal thermometer on hand.

Careful With Your Canine

Regarding common fever reducers…

Many OTC medications can easily do more harm than good.

2 examples:

Ibuprofen and Tylenol are fever reducing meds that should never be given to a dog.

Too dangerous! Liver and renal failure are possible.

Looking for a decent option?

Buffered aspirin (although natural techniques should be tried first).

Baths And Hound Hydration

Fluids are a go-to remedy for keeping a dog’s temps down.

Plenty of water is needed during such a vulnerable time. And keep Fido indoors for now.

The thing is dehydration often goes hand-in-hand with a high internal body temperature.

Sometimes you can reduce a fever with hydration.

Can’t get your dog to drink?

It’s another indicator that you need help!


Tip: Try a short lukewarm bath to stop the momentum of an overheated body.


Get an Accurate Reading

Confirm your dog’s need for a fever reducer with several accurate elevated readings.

Rectally is best (followed by the ears).

Temperature readings via the nose aren’t so reliable.

The dog may feel warm, even hot, but that may not mean much. You need their true body temperature.

Anyhow, quick use of a fever reducer is usually the wrong approach.

High Temps are Telling

A normal range is between 100.5 and 102.5 °F.

A dog with a fever of 104 or more should receive medical assistance ASAP (sometimes simply the common cold though).

Using a fever reducer on a dog can work (at least temporarily).

But it should be addressed at its root cause.

For example:

prescription antibiotic may be needed to knock out an undiagnosed infection.

Get The Dog a Diagnosis

Less common reasons for fever include:

  • Inhalation of toxins
  • Cancer
  • Immune system disorders

In other words, a fever reducer may not solve whatever’s causing your dog to have a temperature.

Again, get a diagnosis.

Discover why they’re overheated. That’s your best course of action!


Warning: A prolonged elevated fever requires immediate veterinary assistance!


The Bottom Line

Find out why your dog has a fever (while you also work on reducing temps).

A short lukewarm bath helps to reduce fever. And providing fresh water is also key.

But it’s really best to avoid questionable medications.

Play it safe! Involve a vet.

The goal should be to address the underlying cause for a dog’s elevated temperature.

What Do You Think? Have Your Say Below…

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9 thoughts on “Dog Has a Temperature? Reduce Your K9’s Fever Safely!”

  1. My 50 pound dog was acting lethargic 4 days ago but showed no other symptoms. He was eating and drinking. The next morning he was really not himself and would not eat.

    His temperature was 105.3. I rushed him to my vet who was puzzled. The blood work was normal with the exception of elevated bands. Last night his temperature was a bit higher.

    I wrapped ice packs and put them on his head, neck, and tummy. The readings didn’t come down. I got him to eat an egg and cheese. I called my vet with an updated condition. He said he was confused and did not know what was going on.

    My dog has been on Amoxicillin and Bactril/Enrofloxacin including sub-q fluids for 3 days. I inquired about canine flu, but he said he didn’t know much about it. I am at a loss and don’t know what to do next.

    Update! My vet now wants me to continue the antibiotics and will start him on steroids. He said that if that didn’t work I could go back to Bufferin. I gave him one (325mg enteric-coated aspirin) this morning and his temperature is now normal. Will start steroids tonight and see how it works.

  2. My dog weighs about 40 pounds. I only give half an aspirin in some food and only once or twice in a 24 hour period. Also, a bath calmed his fever and I fed him lots of water with my hand. He is feeling much better now.

  3. My Pug had his rabies shot yesterday and today he is shivering. I think he has a fever. What can I do to help?

  4. My dog feels hot to me. I would like to know if I can use a human thermometer to take her fever?

  5. Never ever give your dog aspirin, it can kill them! The only drug that is safe for dogs, that humans also take, is Benadryl. Small dogs can suffer serious liver and gastrointestinal damage from even one aspirin. Call a vet if you’re in doubt. I learned the hard way!

    1. I was told by my vet that I could give my dog buffered aspirin.

  6. I cool my pup’s paws and ears with ice cubes and also let them chew on one. If they like, it’s kind of a game to them and fun. After that I do a mixture of half chicken broth (not canned) and Pedialyte. Also, the marrow from the chicken bones is really good if you can mix it in. If they can hold that down it’s usually a sign they won’t need meds.

    I treated my own dog for Parvo, with meds from the vet, and this really helped me.

  7. Hylands Ferrum Phosphoricum can be used for reducing fever. This is actually a supplement. According to Dr Becker, Ferrum Phosphoricum is a Tissue Salt safe for dogs in reducing fever.

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